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About the project

The overhead steel tower line which runs between Fort Augustus substation (Auchterawe) and Fort William substation (Achintee Road) was constructed in 1955 and is operated at 132,000 volts.

The line passes through Invergarry, north and south Laggan, along Loch Lochy, to the west of Spean Bridge then in parallel with the A82 through Torlundy and to Fort William.

We are now investing in the network to fully refurbish the towers and replace the existing wires (conductors) between August 2017 and summer 2020. The new wires will be capable of carrying increased amounts of electricity whilst ensuring the security of demand.

The overhead line has been maintained since the 1950s

Why is the project required?

The overhead line has been maintained since the 1950s and is now being fully refurbished to meet modern standards and to allow increased demands. We will be working between summer 2017 until May 2020 to refurbish the towers and replace the existing wires with new ones capable of carrying increased amounts of power.

Out with the old and in with the new

The existing conductor is made using aluminium wrapped around a steel core. The replacement conductor we will use is the 'Monte Carlo - Aluminium Conductor Composite Core (ACCC).

The ACCC is made using aluminium wrapped around a carbon fibre core - the change means the conductor will be twice as strong as the steel, 70% lighter and able to carry twice the amount of power. The line will still be operated at 132,000 volts following the refurbishment.

Legend

The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc do not accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.

It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.

The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.

Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified. This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.

Local Businesses

Balfour Beatty’s power transmission and distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions.

Address: www.balfourbeatty.com

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